How AltStreet Evaluates Investment Platforms
A fit-based, framework-driven approach to reviewing alternative investment platforms across emerging and traditional asset classes. No rankings. No star ratings. Only rigorous diagnostic assessment.
Primary Goals of Platform Reviews
Explain Evaluation Standards
Transparent methodology for how platforms are assessed
Provide Coverage Directory
Navigation to categories and individual platform reviews
Establish Independence
Disclose affiliate relationships and framework consistency
Enable Fit-Based Selection
Match platforms to investor profiles and constraints
Note: Platform reviews are educational and do not constitute investment advice or recommendations. Always conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified professionals.
What a Platform Review Includes
Every review translates the three-pillar framework into operational findings. Here's what you get in each assessment:
Risk & Structure Analysis
- Investment vehicle design (LP, LLC, Delaware Statutory Trust)
- Custody arrangements (qualified vs self-custody)
- Liquidity mechanics (redemption terms, secondary markets)
- Fee structure (transparent vs buried)
- Walk-away signals identification
Regulation & Compliance
- Security registration status (Reg D, Reg A+, Reg CF)
- Investor eligibility requirements
- Disclosure quality assessment
- Regulatory filing verification
- Compliance track record
Tax Treatment Analysis
- Tax reporting type (1099, K-1, 1098)
- Income characterization (ordinary, capital gains, collectibles)
- Account placement guidance (taxable, IRA, Solo 401k)
- UBTI/UDFI triggers for retirement accounts
- Known tax traps and complexities
Fit-Based Classifications
- Fit assessment for 6 investor profiles
- Well-Suited / Conditionally Suited / Poor Fit labels
- Tradeoff identification and explanation
- Conditional requirements (e.g., Solo 401k setup)
- Alternative platform suggestions
From Philosophy to Action: The three-pillar framework isn't abstract methodology—it's operationalized into specific findings you can act on. Reviews tell you not just what a platform does, but where it fits (or doesn't) in your specific situation.
What This Page Is (And Is Not)
This Page IS
- •A reference for AltStreet's platform review standards — Transparent methodology disclosure
- •A directory of platform coverage by asset class — Navigation hub for 18+ categories
- •A methodology disclosure for readers and partners — How evaluations are conducted
This Page IS NOT
- ✗A ranking of platforms — No "best" lists or ordinal rankings
- ✗A list of recommendations — No universal "buy" guidance
- ✗A "best platforms" page — Fit-based, not comparative scoring
Why This Matters: Most platform review sites optimize for affiliate conversions through rankings and "best of" lists. AltStreet optimizes for fit—matching investors to platforms based on constraints, preferences, and risk tolerance. There is no universal "best" platform, only best fit for specific investor profiles.
The AltStreet Evaluation Doctrine
Core Principle
AltStreet Does NOT Ask:
"Is this platform good?"
AltStreet Asks:
"For which investors, under which constraints, does this platform make sense?"
This distinction separates diagnostic evaluation from promotional ranking.
Non-Negotiable Evaluation Principles
Fit Over Yield
Highest advertised returns mean nothing if structure, liquidity, or tax treatment misalign with investor constraints. Fit determines success.
Structure Over Marketing
Legal structure, custody arrangements, and fee waterfalls matter more than promotional materials. We evaluate what platforms are, not what they claim to be.
Risk Before Return
Operational risk, manager risk, and structural risk are evaluated before considering return potential. A platform with 20% target returns and self-custody fails.
Tax & Regulation as First-Class Constraints
Tax reporting complexity and regulatory compliance aren't afterthoughts—they're primary evaluation criteria determining platform suitability.
For complete details: Review our comprehensive due diligence framework covering risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and operational evaluation standards.
The Three-Pillar Evaluation Framework
Every platform review applies consistent diagnostic criteria across three dimensions. This framework is derived from institutional due diligence practices and adapted for individual alternative investors.
Pillar 1: Risk & Structure
- Investment vehicle design
- Liquidity mechanics
- Concentration and alignment
- Walk-away signals
Pillar 2: Regulation & Compliance
- Security status
- Investor eligibility
- Custody and controls
- Disclosure quality
Pillar 3: Tax Treatment
- Reporting type
- Income characterization
- Account placement implications
- Known tax traps
High-Level Summary Only: This page provides framework overview. Individual platform reviews apply these criteria in detail with specific evidence, tradeoffs, and fit classifications. No composite scoring—each pillar assessed independently for transparency.
Fit-Based Classification: How Platforms Are Assessed
Rather than universal rankings, platforms are evaluated for fit across standardized investor profiles. A platform may be "Well-Suited" for income-focused investors but "Poor Fit" for those seeking liquidity. This approach acknowledges that no platform serves all investors equally.
Standardized Investor Profiles
Platforms are evaluated for fit across the following investor profiles. Each profile represents distinct constraints, preferences, and risk tolerances:
Income-Focused
Prioritizes current cash flow over appreciation. Seeks predictable distributions, quarterly reporting, and income tax efficiency.
Tax-Sensitive
High marginal tax bracket. Values depreciation pass-through, capital gains treatment, or structures suitable for tax-advantaged accounts.
Liquidity-Constrained
Requires quarterly or annual redemption optionality. Cannot commit to 5-10 year lockups. May need emergency access.
SDIRA / 401(k)
Investing through self-directed retirement accounts. Sensitive to UBTI/UDFI triggers, custodian compatibility, and contribution limits.
First-Time Alternatives
New to private markets. Needs lower minimums, educational resources, transparent fee structures, and minimal operational complexity.
Experienced Allocators
Existing alternative portfolio. Comfortable with K-1s, illiquidity, and complexity. Seeks specific exposures or niche strategies.
Fit Outcome Classifications
Each platform receives one of three fit classifications for each investor profile. These are descriptive, not prescriptive—they explain alignment, not advise action.
| Fit Outcome | Meaning | Actionable Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Well-Suited | Minimal friction; aligns with profile goals, constraints, and risk tolerance. | High confidence for this persona. Proceed with standard due diligence. |
| Conditionally Suited | High quality, but requires specific setup (e.g., Solo 401k for UDFI, annual liquidity acceptance). | Proceed with structural caution. Address conditional requirements before committing. |
| Poor Fit | Fundamental misalignment in liquidity, tax, risk tolerance, or operational complexity. | Only for edge-case allocators with explicit risk acceptance. Consider alternatives. |
Critical Note: No platform is expected to fit all profiles. A "Poor Fit" for one investor may be "Well-Suited" for another. These classifications describe alignment—not quality. Even excellent platforms can be poor fits for specific constraints.
Optional Pillar Scorecards (Clarification)
Some platform reviews include numerical diagnostic assessments for transparency. These pillar scorecards explain findings—they do not produce overall ratings or rank platforms comparatively.
What We Assess
- •Risk & Structure — Diagnostic pillar scorecard; explains vehicle design, custody, liquidity
- •Regulation & Compliance — Verifies eligibility, disclosure, regulatory status
- •Tax Efficiency — Describes reporting burden, income type, account suitability
Pillar scorecards are explanatory tools, not comparative rankings.
What We Do NOT Do
- ✗No overall rating — Three pillars assessed independently; no composite score
- ✗No ordinal rankings — Platforms not compared numerically (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- ✗No star ratings — 5-star systems imply universal quality; we assess profile-specific fit instead
Comparative scoring creates false precision and ignores investor heterogeneity.
Why No Overall Rating? Collapsing three-dimensional evaluation into single numbers destroys decision-relevant information. A platform might score 90/100 on regulation but 40/100 on tax efficiency for SDIRA investors—reducing this to "65/100 overall" obscures the critical tradeoff. We preserve dimensionality by reporting pillars independently, with profile-specific fit labels (Well-Suited / Conditionally Suited / Poor Fit) rather than universal ratings.
Platform Coverage Universe by Asset Class
AltStreet maintains active coverage across the following asset classes. Each category includes platform reviews, framework application, and where relevant, comparisons. Coverage expands as new platforms emerge and existing platforms evolve.
Carbon & Climate FinanceView Category
Investment platforms for carbon removal credits, voluntary and compliance carbon markets, and nature-based climate solutions. Emerging asset class with regulatory evolution and verification complexity.
Subcategories:
- Carbon Removal Credits
- Voluntary & Compliance Markets
- Nature-Based Assets
- Verification & Registry Access
Example Platforms: Patch, Xpansiv, NCX, Pachama
Coverage Status: 2 initial reviews complete (Patch, NCX)
AI Infrastructure & ComputeView Category
Private placement platforms for AI training infrastructure, GPU/compute marketplaces, and edge computing networks. High capital intensity with technology obsolescence risk.
Subcategories:
- GPU/Compute Marketplaces
- AI Training Infrastructure
- Edge Computing Networks
- Data Center Investments
Coverage Status: Emerging category, initial reviews in development
Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs)View Category
Blockchain-based tokenization platforms for real estate, treasury bills, commodities, and other physical assets. Regulatory clarity evolving; custody and legal structure critical.
Subcategories:
- Real Estate Tokens
- Treasury Bill Tokens
- Commodity-Backed Tokens
- Private Credit Tokens
Key Considerations: Security status unclear, tax treatment complex, wallet custody requirements
Coverage Status: Coming soon (regulatory clarity developing)
Fractional Real Assets & FarmlandView Category
Fractional ownership platforms for farmland, timberland, cattle operations, and agricultural real assets. Tax-efficient (depreciation, capital gains) with illiquidity and operational risk.
Subcategories:
- Farmland Fractionals
- Timberland Investments
- Cattle & Agriculture Operations
- Row Crop Investments
Example Platforms: FarmTogether, AcreTrader, Harvest Returns
Coverage Status: 3 platforms covered (FarmTogether, AcreTrader, Harvest Returns)
Private Credit & Revenue-Based FinancingView Category
Direct lending, revenue-based loans, and structured credit platforms for retail and accredited investors. Tax-inefficient (ordinary income) but consistent cash flow. Best in SDIRAs.
Subcategories:
- Direct Lending Platforms
- Revenue-Based Loans
- Consumer Credit
- Commercial Real Estate Debt
Example Platforms: Percent, Yieldstreet, Inception, Groundfloor
Coverage Status: 4 platforms covered (Percent, Yieldstreet, Inception, Groundfloor)
Longevity & Biotech Pre-IPOView Category
Investment platforms for longevity research, biotech SPVs, and drug development funds. High binary risk (FDA approval or failure) with long development timelines (7-15 years).
Subcategories:
- Biotech SPVs
- Longevity Research Funds
- Drug Development Syndicates
- Medical Device Financing
Key Risks: Binary outcomes, regulatory risk, extreme illiquidity
Energy Transition & InfrastructureView Category
Solar, wind, battery storage, and carbon capture infrastructure investments. Long-term contracted cash flows with technology and policy risk.
Subcategories:
- Solar/Wind Projects
- Battery Storage Systems
- Carbon Capture Technology
- EV Charging Infrastructure
Tax Treatment: May qualify for ITC/PTC credits, depreciation benefits
Digital IP & Royalty InvestingView Category
Platforms for fractional ownership of music royalties, patent portfolios, film rights, and other intellectual property. Income streams from usage rights and licensing.
Subcategories:
- Music Royalties
- Patent Portfolios
- Film/Content Rights
- Software Licensing
Example Platforms: Royalty Exchange, ANote Music, Verisart
AI Quant & Wealth Tech ToolsView Category
AI-driven algorithmic trading platforms, automated portfolio management, and quantitative strategies accessible to individual investors. Performance highly strategy-dependent.
Subcategories:
- Algorithmic Trading Platforms
- AI Portfolio Management
- Automated Strategies
- Robo-Advisory 2.0
Key Considerations: Backtesting vs live performance, fee drag, market regime dependency
Insurance-Linked & Risk MarketsView Category
Catastrophe bonds, life settlements, reinsurance contracts, and other insurance-linked securities. Uncorrelated to traditional markets but tail risk exposure.
Subcategories:
- Catastrophe Bonds
- Life Settlements
- Reinsurance Contracts
- Premium Finance
Key Risks: Catastrophic loss potential, actuarial modeling risk
Fine Art & CollectiblesView Category
Fractional ownership of blue-chip and contemporary art. Physical custody, authentication, and insurance critical. Tax treatment as collectibles (28% max capital gains rate).
Subcategories:
- Blue-Chip Art
- Contemporary Art
- Photography
- Sculptures
Example Platforms: Masterworks, Rally, Otis
Fine Wine & Whiskey CaskView Category
Investment-grade wine and Scotch whiskey cask ownership platforms. Physical storage, insurance, and condition monitoring required. Collectibles tax treatment (28% capital gains).
Subcategories:
- Investment-Grade Wine
- Scotch Whiskey Casks
- Rare Spirits
- Vintage Champagne
Example Platforms: Vinovest, Vint, CaskX
Classic Cars & Rare WatchesView Category
Fractional ownership of vintage automobiles and luxury timepieces. High insurance costs, maintenance requirements, and authentication expertise required. Collectibles tax treatment.
Subcategories:
- Vintage Automobiles
- Luxury Timepieces
- Classic Motorcycles
- Rare Jewelry
Example Platforms: Rally, Lolli, Vinovest (watches)
Luxury & Collectible FundsView Category
Multi-category collectible funds offering diversified exposure across rare items. Professional curation and authentication but high fee drag. Collectibles tax treatment (28%).
Subcategories:
- Multi-Category Funds
- Rare Collectibles
- Sports Memorabilia
- Rare Books & Comics
Example Platforms: Otis, Rally
Mineral Rights & Energy RoyaltiesView Category
Fractional ownership of oil & gas royalties, mineral rights, and energy production income streams. Tax advantages (depletion allowance, IDCs) but commodity price exposure.
Subcategories:
- Oil & Gas Royalties
- Mineral Rights Ownership
- Energy Production Income
- Working Interests
Tax Benefits: 15% depletion allowance, IDC deductions, capital gains treatment
Litigation Finance & Legal ClaimsView Category
Investment platforms for commercial litigation funding, mass tort portfolios, and legal claim financing. Binary outcomes (settlement or nothing) with 2-5 year timelines.
Subcategories:
- Commercial Litigation
- Mass Tort Portfolios
- IP Litigation
- Class Action Funding
Example Platforms: Legalist, Burford Capital (institutional), YieldStreet (retail)
Secondary Startup & Pre-IPO MarketsView Category
Platforms for purchasing late-stage equity and secondary shares in private companies pre-IPO. High minimum investments ($10K-$100K+), concentration risk, and illiquidity until exit.
Subcategories:
- Late-Stage Equity
- Secondary Shares
- Pre-IPO SPVs
- Unicorn Access
Example Platforms: Hiive, EquityZen, Forge Global
Structured Credit & Securitized YieldView Category
CLOs, CLNs, asset-backed securities, and structured notes platforms. Complex credit structures with tranche-specific risk/return profiles. Requires sophistication to evaluate.
Subcategories:
- CLOs & CLNs
- Asset-Backed Securities
- Structured Notes
- Syndicated Loans
Key Considerations: Waterfall mechanics, credit subordination, mark-to-model valuation
Coverage Continuously Expands: Asset classes evolve, new platforms launch, and existing platforms add capabilities. AltStreet updates coverage quarterly and adds new categories as they reach critical mass for individual investor accessibility. Check category hubs for most current platform reviews.
How to Use Platform Reviews
AltStreet platform reviews are diagnostic tools, not prescriptive recommendations. Here's how to interpret findings and combine them with other framework resources for informed decision-making.
Interpreting Fit Classifications
Identify Your Primary Investor Profile
Review the six standardized profiles (Income-Focused, Tax-Sensitive, Liquidity-Constrained, SDIRA/401k, First-Time, Experienced) and determine which best matches your constraints and goals. Most investors align with 1-2 primary profiles.
Focus on Your Profile's Fit Outcome
A platform may be "Well-Suited" for income-focused investors but "Poor Fit" for those requiring liquidity. Read the fit assessment for YOUR profile—other assessments are informative but not determinative.
Understand "Conditionally Suited" Requirements
This classification means the platform works well IF specific conditions are met (e.g., Solo 401k setup, annual liquidity acceptance). Evaluate whether you can meet these prerequisites before proceeding.
Reading Tradeoffs
No Platform Is Perfect
Every platform makes structural choices that create advantages and disadvantages. A platform scoring 85/100 on Risk & Structure but 40/100 on Tax Efficiency for SDIRA investors presents a clear tradeoff. Read reviews to understand WHICH compromises exist, not whether they exist.
Evaluate Tradeoffs Against Your Priorities
If you're tax-sensitive and in a high bracket, a platform with excellent structure but ordinary income treatment may be poor fit regardless of other strengths. Conversely, if investing in an SDIRA, tax treatment is irrelevant—focus on structure and fees instead.
Walk-Away Signals Override Strengths
If a review identifies walk-away signals (self-custody, undisclosed fees, regulatory non-compliance), these override positive attributes. Strong returns don't compensate for structural failure risk.
Combining Platform Reviews With Pillar Pages
Tax Framework Integration
Platform reviews note tax reporting type (1099 vs K-1) and income characterization (ordinary vs capital gains). To understand optimal account placement:
Review the Tax-Equivalent Yield FrameworkRisk Framework Integration
Platform reviews identify structural risks but assume understanding of alternative investment risk categories. For walk-away signals and risk assessment methodology:
Review the Risk Assessment FrameworkDue Diligence Integration
Platform reviews evaluate what platforms disclose and how they structure offerings. To conduct independent verification and sponsor evaluation:
Review the Due Diligence ChecklistCritical Reminder: Platform reviews are educational and do not constitute investment advice or recommendations. Reviews describe platform characteristics, structure, and fit assessments—they do not advise whether YOU should invest in any specific platform or offering. Always conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified financial, tax, and legal advisors before making investment decisions.
Affiliate Relationships & Independence
Affiliate Disclosure: AltStreet may receive affiliate compensation when readers click links to platforms and subsequently invest. This compensation does not influence evaluation methodology, scoring criteria, or fit assessments.
Framework Consistency: All platforms— whether affiliate partners or not—are evaluated using identical three-pillar methodology (Risk & Structure, Regulation & Compliance, Tax Treatment). Fit classifications are determined by structural characteristics and investor profile alignment, not affiliate relationships.
Non-Influence Commitment: Platforms cannot pay for favorable reviews, higher rankings (AltStreet does not rank platforms), or removal of critical findings. Reviews reflect diagnostic assessment based on publicly available information, regulatory filings, offering documents, and platform disclosures. Affiliate relationships never override fit classifications or walk-away signals.
Transparency Standard: Affiliate links are clearly marked. Platforms with affiliate relationships receive no preferential treatment in coverage, positioning, or evaluation. If a platform presents walk-away signals or poor fit for specific investor profiles, this is disclosed regardless of affiliate status.
Reader Trust: AltStreet's business model depends on reader trust. Compromising evaluation integrity for short-term affiliate revenue would destroy long-term credibility. We optimize for accuracy and fit-based guidance, not conversion rates.
Questions or Concerns? If you believe an affiliate relationship has influenced a review, or if you identify factual errors in platform assessments, please contact AltStreet directly. All concerns are investigated and addressed transparently.
Living Coverage: Updates & Evolution
Platforms Evolve Continuously
Platforms modify fee structures, add new asset classes, change custody arrangements, and update regulatory status. Reviews reflect platform characteristics at time of publication but are updated quarterly to capture material changes.
Coverage Expands
New platforms launch, existing platforms reach critical mass, and emerging asset classes gain individual investor accessibility. AltStreet adds coverage as categories mature and sufficient information becomes available for rigorous evaluation.
Reviews Are Updated
Platform reviews include publication and last-updated dates. Material changes (new offerings, regulatory developments, custody changes) trigger review updates. Minor changes (fee adjustments under 0.25%, UI improvements) are captured in quarterly refreshes.
Standards Remain Constant
While platforms and coverage evolve, the three-pillar evaluation framework, non-negotiable principles, and fit-based methodology remain consistent. Standards do not change based on market conditions or platform relationships.
Version Control: All platform reviews include date stamps and version history. Significant changes are noted in review updates with explanations of what changed and why. Historical versions remain accessible for reference.
Start With Fit, Not Rankings
Browse platforms by asset class, review our evaluation standards, or see example reviews applying the three-pillar framework. No "best of" lists—only fit-based assessment.
Platform evaluations are educational resources and do not constitute investment advice or recommendations. Always conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making investment decisions.